Summary
This session will detail how we are capturing metrics on product development and resource allocation. We will discuss how we are capturing people’s time on task to get us to a standard set of recipes that we can use when planning and budgeting for new products. We will discuss how we captured and identified tasks that could be handled by a 3rd party offshore vendor to free up our in-house designer who needs to be focused on strategic and innovative work.
Key Insights
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Implementation of metrics can transform budget management in design operations.
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Real-time data improves decision-making for design managers.
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A systematic approach using SmartSheet reduces reliance on confusing Excel documents.
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Resource allocation can be optimized by identifying peaks and valleys in project timelines.
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Tracking designers' time on tasks helps establish productive resource planning.
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Collaborating with cross-functional teams enhances clarity in operations.
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Developing templates is essential for consistent data collection across projects.
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Understanding task complexity is key to accurate resource allocation and budgeting.
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Regular feedback from vendors improves invoicing processes and project budgeting.
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Establishing a cultural shift towards productive time management benefits overall team morale.
Notable Quotes
"Saying on budget is every project's goal but can be the hardest, especially in our business."
"What has your attention will take more of your attention than it deserves."
"The right team can really make an excellent product, but how many should be on that team?"
"Be flexible and account for the unique personalities of all our very different projects."
"Using SmartSheet allowed us to connect data so much easier and instantly."
"The pain of not updating our sheets had to be felt for understanding their importance."
"We sought to eliminate heirloom spreadsheets that contained outdated formulas."
"Capturing time on task serves designers in the long run by preventing over allocation."
"The project lifecycle document captures every task from initial conception to maintenance."
"A time study can provide invaluable insights regardless of the maturity of the design ops team."
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